Cable support



July 14, 1925. 1

F. H. N. WOHLERS CABLE SUPPORT Filed Oct. 2, 1920 n INI/ENTOR.

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Patented July 14, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRIEDRICH H. N. WOHLERS, F JAMAICA, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR T0 DICTOGRAPH PRODUCTS CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA.

CABLE SUPPORT.

Application filed October 2, 1920.v Serial No. 414,343.

To all whom. it may concern:

Be it known that I, FmEDnIcH H. N. W'oHLEns, a citizen of the United States, residing at Jamaica, in the county of Queens and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cable Supports, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to devices for supporting andautomatically taking up slack in cables that connect portable electrical devices to a source of energy or other devices which may be stationary. It has particular value when employed in connecting a portable telephone instrument to its wall connections.

In prior devices of this kind, where reels for the connecting cable are employed, the construction has been unsatisfactory in several respects, as for example either because brushes or sliding electrical connections were necessary between the reel and its support, or the devices have been comparatively complex, expensive, and not durable. In

the former case, the brushes or sliding contacts wore out rapidly, the connections were often faulty because of the hardening of lubricants and dirt, and yinsuflicient contacts existed due to the loss of the spring force in the contact elements. In order to avoid waste of electrical energy caused by the passage of current through the portable instrument when it was not in use, manual switches were provided but their operation was annoying and their operation often forgotten,

An object of this invention is to provide a reel construction for connecting a portable instrument to its base connections which will obviate the above mentioned disadvantages and objections. and enerally to improve the construction. ll ore particularly an object is to provide a device of this type having no sliding contacts in the electrical' circuits, which is simple, reliable, compact,

and durable in construction and operation, attractive in appearance and inexpensive to manufacture. A further object is to provide a device of this type in whichi the cable retraction springs cannot be overwound, and in which the circuit of the instrument is opened automatically when the instrument is not. in use. Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and the novel features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in claims.

The invention comprises certain details of construction which will be clearly and fully explained in the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is an elevation of my preferred form of device, the cover being removed to show the interior construction;

Fig. 2 is a section taken substantially along the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially along the line 3 3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an elevation of one of the elements of the reel and a spacing bushing;

Fig. 5 is a. schematic view illustratin the means for preventing overwinding o the reel springs and the loosening of the cable from the reel;

Fig. 6 is a switch;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary section taken substantially along the line 7-7 of Fig. 8 and illustrating a preferred construction of certain details; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section taken substantially along the line 8--8 of Fig. 7 of the same details.

The casing may comprise a rear wall 4 with flange portions 5 and 5a which may conveniently be struck up from the rear wall, and a removable cover 6. A plate or wall 7 is supported from the rear or mam wall 4 in spaced and parallel relation thereto lby a plurality of insulating studs 8, the plate being connected to the studs 8 by screws 9, and the studs in turn being secured to the wall 4 by screws 10. To the opposite end faces of a core orannular ring 11 of insection taken through the sulating material, are secured by means of screws 12,A a. pair of metal discs 13 and 14 to form with the core or ring a cable reel. Each of the discs 13 and 14 has riveted thereto a pivot pin 15 with its head within the annular insulating ring, and each plvot pin projects outwardly from its disc and has] a shouldered end bearing in an aperture 16 or 17 in the spaced walls, so that the reel is free to rotate between the spaced walls. Surrounding-,and loosely mounted on each pin 15 is a clutch member or sleeve 18 havlng depressions 19 in the face abutting the spaced walls. The spaced walls are provided with projections 20 which extend into the depressions and prevent rotation of the clutch members with the reel. Each clutch member is provided with an anchoring slot 21 in which is received and anchored an end of one of the spiral springs 22 which sur rounds each member. The outer ends of the springs are anchored or otherwise suitably secured to lugs 23 on the face of each adjacent disc adjacent its periphery. Additional lugs 24 are provided on the face of each disc for preventing expansion of the spring` beyond the circumference of the reel. These springs are lthus in effect secured at their inner ends to the casing and exert a torque upon the reel tending to rotate it in one direction. Each disc adjacent the core or insulating sleeve 11 is provided with a lug 25 extending over and along the core periphery, but spaced from the other disc and its lug. These lugs are preferably struck out from the discs and have adjustable screws 26 therein by which the inner ends 27 of the twin cable 28 are electrically and mechanically attached tothe discs. I also prefer to out oli' or flatten portions of the periphery of the core to provide a pair ot flat surfaces 29 against which the struck out lugs 25 are bent so that the non-circular form of the core by engagement with the lugs assists 'in preventing rotation of the discs with respect .to the core and in addition the lugs 25 and screws 26 are countersunk into the core sufhciently to permit the cable to be wound smoothly on the reel without bumps therein where it passes over the screws and lugs.

The flange is provided with a slot 30 therein which receives an annular groove 31 provided in a bushing spool or sleeve 32. The annular groove 31 extends along the spool a short distance and permits of a limited sliding movement of the spool lengthwise thereot` in the slot of the casing. The cover closes the end of the slot when the device is assembled to prevent removal of the spool therefrom. A pair of spring contacts 33 and 34 are supported upon the inside ot the flange.' 5 of the casing by screws 35 and 36 which pass through the flange and the spring contacts. These screws are insulated from the flange and the contacts, and the contacts are insulated from each other, by suitable insulating strips. washers, and bushings 37. Removal of the screws is prevented by suitable washers 38 and nuts 39. One of the spring contacts, such as 33, is extended beyond the other and provided with a forked end 4() which engages in an annular groove 41 in the spool 32. The spool is normally held substantially at its outward limit of movement by the spring contact 33 which is then in electrical contact, by means of its contact point 42 with the spring contact 34. If the spool is moved inwardly to the extent permitted by the annular groove 31, the contact 33 with its contact 42 will be separatedfroin the contact 34 and the electrical connection between them broken. The contact 33 is connected by a Wire 43 to the rear wall 5 of the casing, and the contact 34 is connected by a wire 44 to the screw 35, it being held thereon by a washer 38 and a vnut 39. The. screw 36 is connected by a wire 45. which is secured thereto by a washer 38 and a nut 39, to -the plate 7 being secured to the latter in a suitable manner such as by a screw 46. The plate 'i' is insulated from the main wall 5 of the casing b v the studs 8 but by means ot one of the pivot pins and the springs 22 it is connected electrically to one ot the discs 13. ln a similar manner, the wall 5 of the. casing is connected to the other of the discs 13. The discs are connected, one to each of the wires of the twin cable by the struck out lugs and screws 26. The portable instrument (not shown) is to be connected to the cable 2.3 and the other circuit wires (not shown) are to be connected to the screws and 36 by means ot' washers 47 and small screws 43 which pass through the washers 4T and thread into the outcr ends or screw heads ot the screws 35 and 36. The circuit extends from contact screw 35, wire 44, contact 34, contact point 42, contact 33, wire 43, casing wall 4, pivot pin 15 to rear disc 13, lug 25, and cable` 28 to the portable instrument, returning through the other wire of the cable, to the lug 25 ot' the front disc 13, through front disc 13 and its pivot pin 15 to plate T, thence by wire 45 to contact screwv 36. The external circuit wires will be connected to the screws and 36. It will thus be seen that in all positions of the reel the portable instrument will be in electrical connection with the contact screws 35 and 36 except as controlled by switch contacts 33 and 34, and there will be no faulty and troublesome sliding connections.

The cable 38 passes loosely through a longitudinal aperture 49 in the spool 32 to the. exterior' of the casing. Upon the portion ot the cable outside ot the casing an enlargement 50 is provided which may conveniently be formed by a knot in the cable which. upon retraction of the cable into the casing limits its inward movement by engaging with the spool The inward pull on the cable by the spring opera-ted reel causes the knot to engage and shift the spool inwardl)v and separate the contacts 33 and 34 to open the circuit. As soon as the cable is pulled outwardly the contact 33 will spring into cngagementI with the contact. 34 and close the circuit. The cable is also provided adjacent its inner end with a second enlargement or knot 51 which when the cable is ncarl \v unwound will engage with the spool 32 and prevent further unwinding of the cable from the reel, so that the' springs cannot be broken by overwinding, or the pullingstrain thrown entirely on the connections of the cable to the reel in a manner to disconnect the same. In the simpler embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, I have found that unless the nular groove '55 of a spool or the bushing 56 through which the cord or cable 28 passes. The groove 55 is sufficiently long to permit of the necessary reciprocating move.

mentpof the spool and consequent operation of the circuit closer, the extension 40 of which may embrace the s ol in a separate groove asin Figs. 1 to goor in the same groove 55 as that of the arm 53, as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. The knots or enlargements 50 and 51 of the cable 28 co-operate with the spool 56 to operate the circuit closer as before The flange 5, however, is provided with a tubular element 57 having an aperture 58 aligned with the spool 56, and through which the cable 28 passes. The aperture 58 is large enough to allow the knot 50 toreadily pass therethrough. and the external end 59 is beveled so as to facilitate the entrance of the knot 50 intothc aperture 58.- The tubular element 57 thus acts as a guide to prevent binding of the spool by causing the cable to pass through` the same without sharp bends therein at the. point where the cable leaves it.

It will be seen that as the portable instru ment, to which the free end of the cable is connected. is moved about, the cable will be pulled out of the casing and automatically retracted as soon as any slack occurs with the result that the cable will at all times be held taut. When the cable is practically all wound upon the reel and the knot 50 has shifted the spool to operate the circuit closer to open the circuit. the instrument will be in its ineffective position or position occupied wh/n not in use. and no current will pass to the portable instrument. As soon as the instrument. is used and moved away from its inactive position the cable will be paid out as needed and automatically retracted when not needed. and in addition the circuit will be automatically closed during all the time that the instrument. is ont 'of its inactive-position. rIlhe knot 5l willv prevent an operator from pulling the cable out sufficiently to endanger the connection between the cable and the reel or to damage the spring by overwinding. The device is very compact. durable, inexpensive, and readily assembled.

It-will be obvious that various changes in the details herein described and illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope ci this invention.

I claim:

l. A cable support comprising a casing having a rcel rotatably mounted therein, an element attached for limited movement to one wall of the casing. a cable wound upon the reel with one end passing through said clement to the exterior of the casing, means normally tending to rotate the reel and retract said cable into the casing, a switch carried by the casing and having a movable member directly connected to said element and movable with the lattcr to operate the switch, said cable having means thereon' without the casing for engaging with the element to limit the retraction of the cable and cause the element to move open thel switch` and electrical connections including' the switch and cable.

2. A cable support comprising a casing having a. reel rotatably mounted therein, an element attached for limited movement to one Wall of the casing, a cable wound upon the reel with one end passing through said element to the exterior of the casing., means normally tending to rotate the reel and retract said cable into the, casing, a switch carried by the casing and having a movable member directly connected to said element and movable with the latter to operate the switch, said cable having means thereon at spaced distances, one within and one without the casing, for engaging with the element to limit the movement of the cable into and out of the casing. the engagement with the element of the means without the casing causing an operation of the switch. and electrical connections including the switch and cable.

3. A cable support comprising a casing, a reel rotatably mounted in said casing. spring means within the casing constantly tending to rotate the neel in one ,direct-ion, a member mounted for limited sliding movement in said casing, a cable wound on said reel and passing through said member and lltl lto the casing adapted to engage and shift the member and limit inward movement of the cable under the influence of the spring means, and a. circuitl controller connected to said member and operable thereby tn open position when the means on the cable 'shifts the member. A

4. A cable support comprising a casing, a reel rotatably mounted in said casing` spring means within the casing constantly tending to rotate the reel in one direction` a member mounted for limited sliding movement in said casing, a cable wound on said reel and passing through said member and casing, means carried by the cable'exterior tov the casing adapted to engage and shift the member and limit inward movement of the cable under the influence of the spring means, a pair of spring contacts carried by the casing and insulated therefrom and from each other but normally contacting with each other at their free ends, one of said contacts being connected to said member and operable thereby when the means on the cable shifts the member.

5. A cable support comprising a casing, a reel rotatably mounted in said casing, spring means within the casing constantly tending to rotate the reel in one direction, a member mounted for limited sliding movement in said casing, a cable wound on said reel and passing through said member and casing, means carried by the cable exterior to the casing adapted to engage and shift the member and limit inward movement of the cable under the infiuence of the spring means, a circuit controller connected to said member and operable thereby to open condition when the means on the cable shifts the member, and additional means carried by the cable within the easing and engageable with the member, to limit out-ward movement of the cable before it is entirely unwound from the reel. v

6. A cable support comprising a casing having a slot-in one Wall, a sleeve having an annulary groove in its periphery which receives the edges of the slot to mount the sleeve for axial reciprocating movementlimited by the ends of the annular groove, said sleeve having la second annular groove, a

circuit controller carried by the casing with an operating element engaging in the second groove to be shifted by the sleeve, a reel rotatably carried by the casing, a cable wound on the reel with an end passing through the sleeve, spring means tending to operate the reel in one direction to wind the cable thereon, means carried by the cable exteriorly of the casing forengagement with the sleeve to limit inward movement of the cable and operate the circuitcontroller` and electrical connections including the cable and circuit controller.

7. A. cable having a slot in one wall, a sleeve having an annular groove in 'its periphery which receives the edges of the slot to mount the sleeve for axial reciprocating movement limited by the ends of the annular groove, a switch carried by the casing and having a normally contacting pair of contacts connected for separation by an inward movement of the sleeve, a reel rotatably carried by the casing, a cable wound on the reel with an end passing through the sleeve to the exterior of the caslng, spring means tending to operate the reel in one direction to wind the cable thereon, means carried by the cable exteriorly of the casing for engagement with the sleeve to limit the inward movement of support comprising a casingthe cable and to operate the switch and elcctrical connections including the cable and switch contacts.

8. A cable support comprising a casing having a slot in one wall, a sleeve having an annular groove in its periphery which receives the edges of the slot to mount the sleeve for axial reciprocating movement limited b v the ends of the annular groove, a switch carried by the casing and having a normally contacting pair of contacts connected for separation by an inward movement ot' the sleeve, a reel rotatably carried by the casing, a cable wound on the rcel with an end passing through the sleeve to the exterior of the casing, spring means tending to operate the reel in One direction to wind the cable thereon, means carried by the cable eXt-eriorly of the casing Vfor engagement with the sleeve to limit the inward movement of the cable and to operate the switch, means also carried by the portion of the cable within the casing for engagement with the sleeve to limit the outward movement of the cable, and electrical connections including the cable and switch contacts.

9. A cable support comprising a casing having a slot in one wall, a sleeve having an annular groove in its periphery which receivesvthe edges of the slot to mount the sleeve for axial reciprocating movement limited by the ends of the annular groove, said sleeve having a second annular groove, a circuit controller carried by the casing with an operating element engaging in the second groove to be shifted by the sleeve, a reel rotatably carried by the casing, a cable wound on the reel with an end passing through the sleeve, spring means tending to operate the reel in one direction to wind the cable thereon, means 'carried by the cable exteriorly of the casing for engagement with the sleeve to limit inward movement of the cable and operate the circuit controller, means also carried by the portion of the cable within the casing for engagement with the sleeve to limit the outward movement cf the cable, and electrical connections including the cable and switch contacts.

10. A cable support comprising a support, a reel rotatably carried by the support, a cable, means tending to rotate the reel and Wind the cable thereon, a circuit controller carried by the support comprising a stationary and a movable contact member, circuit connections including the cable and controller actuating means directly connected to the movable member and encircling the cable, and means carried by the cable for engaging with the actuating means and operating the latter and the movable contact member to vary the circuit connections when a predetermined amount of the cable has been wound upon the reel, and for engaging with the actuating means to limit the unwinding of the cable after a predetermined amount ofthe cable has been unwound 'from the reel.

l1. A cable support comprising a casing having a reel rotatably mounted therein, an element attached to the casing for limited .movement Within the casing, said casing having therein a passage through its Wall in aligmnent with `the 'element and toward and from which theelement moves, a cable Wound upon the reel with one end passing through said element and passage to the exterior of the casing, a switch carried by the casing and connected to said element for operation thereby, said cable having means thereon without the casing for engaging with the element to limit the retraction ot" 20 cable.

l2. A cable support comprising a casing, a

reel rotatably mounted in said casing, spring means within the casing constantly tending to rotate the reel in one direction, a member mounted for limited sliding movement in said easing, said casing having therein a passage in alignment with the member and toward and from which the member moves, a cable wound on said reel and passing through said member and passage of the casing, means carried by the cable exterior to the casing adapted to engage and shift the member and limit inward movement of` the cable under the influence of the spring means, a self closing circuit controller connected to said member and operable thereby to open position When the means on the cable shifts the member.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my signature.

FRIEDRICH H. N. Wo'HLERs. 

